According to Pitchfork, Chris Martin and the rest of chart-topping Coldplay have invited Oxfam America along on it’s North American summer tour in hopes of promoting it’s Make Trade Fair program.

The band have been particularly vocal concerning this cause in the past and have worked with the organization since its inception in 2002. Oxfam is once again looking for volunteers to help them at all of Coldplay’s shows to help with petitions and spread trade justice information to attendees.

Oxfam’s release notes that Coldplay has been a supporter of the Make Trade Fair campaign since it started in 2002. The relationship with Coldplay began when the band’s leader Chris Martin traveled with Oxfam to the Dominican Republic and Haiti in 2002 where he saw firsthand how unfair trade rules affected the lives of the people there.

Chris visited rice-growing areas where farmers once grew enough to provide for Haiti’s population. But due to cheap imported rice dumped in their market, they are now facing ruin. Chris also witnessed some examples of sustainable trade: he visited Fair Trade coffee cooperatives that earn a decent price for growing coffee, which helps the farmers cover their basic needs. This is no easy feat in a country where the average person makes less than $500 a year The ongoing tour looks to be one of the hottest tickets this summer. Hopefully this partnership can reap some worthwhile rewards, besides good music.

(Photo coutesy of Oxfam)